Chennai, 1 December (H.S.) : Police have arrested a 32-year-old man who allegedly murdered his estranged wife at a private women’s hostel in Coimbatore and then posted a selfie with her body as his WhatsApp status, according to authorities on Monday.

The horrific incident occurred on Sunday when the accused, identified as S. Balamurugan, went to the hostel under the pretense of meeting his wife, a 28-year-old woman originally from Tirunelveli who worked at a private firm.

The woman had moved into the hostel following their separation and had left their two children in the care of her mother in Coimbatore due to an ongoing dispute with her husband.

Police reported that a heated argument broke out between the couple, during which Balamurugan used a sickle to brutally hack his wife to death. He then took a photograph of himself with the corpse and uploaded it as his WhatsApp status, accompanying the image with a message claiming she had betrayed him.

The incident caused shock among the hostel inmates and has sparked political concerns regarding women's safety in the area. Balamurugan remained at the hostel until police arrived and was taken into custody on Sunday. The Rathinapuri police have registered a case and are conducting a full investigation.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Dr. R. B. Chaudhary